Dish closes on 2 purchases key to broadband plans

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) ? Satellite TV provider Dish Network has completed its purchase of two satellite operators whose licenses it hopes to use to offer broadband access that can help it compete better with cable TV and phone companies.

Cable and phone companies are able to offer customers packaged plans that include TV channels and Internet access services. Dish wants to offer similar broadband services using wireless spectrum ceded by DBSD North America Inc. and TerreStar Networks Inc., which Dish agreed to buy out of bankruptcy last year.

The Federal Communications Commission approved the transfer of wireless licenses to Dish this month, but it deferred decisions on whether Dish could use the spectrum for a broad broadband offering.